The O.C.: "The Avengers" AdvanceReview

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As season four begins, we find out if The O.C. can survive without Marissa Cooper.

By Brian Linder

The popularity of FOX's once-smash hit dramedy, The O.C., has dropped off of late, but creator Josh Schwartz is determined to get the series back on track with the coming fourth season. In a recent interview, Schwartz sides with some disillusioned fans who have complained that last season's episodes relied too heavily on ratings-getting gimmicks and less on the things that made the show a hit in the first place -- things like authentic, well-developed characters, and sharply written dialogue. As season four kicks off, Schwartz says he's determined to get the series back on track by creating scenarios that feel more like real life. Can he return the series to its former glory, or will last season's departure of Mischa Barton prove to be The O.C.'s definitive "jump the shark" moment? We can't say for sure, but if the first episode of the new season is any indication, we think an O.C. renaissance is entirely possible.

In "The Avengers," high school is a distant memory for Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson), and Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), three young people struggling to deal with the death of their friend, Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton).

Ryan has left Newport yet again. We quickly learn that he's dealing with Marissa's death the only way he knows how, through aggression. And it doesn't take long for Schwartz to pull out the old playbook... Fans should immediately reconnect with the show thanks to an emotionally-charged intro sequence scored with Placebo's cover of the Kate Bush song, "Running Up That Hill."

Ben McKenzie in "The Avengers" episode of The O.C.

With Summer gone, the highlight of Seth's day is eating a sandwich with his dad and hanging out with the "Newpsies." Brody is as chill as ever in the role. Meanwhile, Summer is reinventing herself at Brown University under the tutelage of her new activist friend, Che, played by Everwood alum Chris Pratt who seems to be a solid addition to the cast. He's doing a little bit of a Jack Black thing here and has some pretty hilarious scenes in the opener. And while Summer and Che's relationship seems strictly platonic, the changes he brings about in her (she's now "post-ironic") might spell drama for Sethummer this year.

Willa Holland, who plays Marissa's troublemaking little sis, Kaitlin Cooper, seems to be having fun with her transition to regular cast member status. Holland has a vulnerability that reminds us of Barton, but her character is more self-assured and sassy. This plays out nicely in scenes with her new lapdogs, Brad and Eric Ward (Luke's twin brothers).

Taylor Townsend (Autumn Reeser) is back this season in greater capacity. Reeser will join the remaining young threesome in the main cast. It's an interesting way to fill the void left by Barton... Instead of trying to replace Marissa with a character of the same emotional weight, they've opted for a total switch-up. Where Marissa was elegant, fragile and brooding; Taylor is cutesy, confident (at least on the outside) and full of light. It'll be interesting to see how the writers develop her character as the season progresses. We'd like to see her retain her goofy energy, but become a little less cartoonish.

Autumn Reeser stars as Taylor Townsend in The O.C.

Melinda Clarke, as Julie Cooper, deftly handles the role of a mother struggling to deal with her daughter's death. And it's nice to see Kirsten and Sandy (Kelly Rowan and Peter Gallagher) working together again and free of drama. However, they haven't fully gotten back into the old groove with the quirky, sweet exchanges -- it just seems kind of artifical at times. Let's hope their chemistry hasn't been permanently damaged by the constant tinkering with their relationship over the past season or two.

"The Avengers" is at its best in its most emo moments, with Ryan or Summer fighting back their grief over Marissa. Her presence on the series is missed by us, too. The show will have a decidedly different tone from now on, but Marissa's absence doesn't seem detrimental at this point.

There are a few over-the-top or forced moments -- we're not sure if the Ryan Atwood comic book sequence plays as well as it could have with a little softer touch -- but overall it could be said that The O.C. has gotten its groove back. We're looking forward to more of what Schwartz and co. have in store in season four.